Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, July 31, 2021

11

 Mountain Views News Saturday, July 31, 2021 

CHRISTOPHER Nyerges 


HOW TO DEAL WITH PUBLIC SPACE 

How do we best deal with “public space”? 

“Public space” is not simply the public square. Public space is any space that 
is not privately owned, and which the local jurisdiction can exercise some 
control. In some cases, what we call “public space” can also be applied to 
the private space that we see, referring to such cases where billboards on private 
land can still mar an otherwise beautiful view that you experience while 
walking or driving on public land. This can also refer to a tall building which blocks your view 
of the mountains, or a tall building which blocks out your sunlight. 

It is worth looking at the Japanese model. 

THE DESIGN CODE 
What is loosely called the “design code” in Manazuru, Kanagawa, Japan gradually de-veloped 
because the residents loved the quality of their city. Because those special qualities attracted 
ever-more people to want to reside there, business interests were also attracted. The local people 
created a series of concepts to maintain the character of the city, the character that attracted 
everyone there in the first place. 

The Design Code is similar to the Building and Safety codes of major cities, but rather than strict 
rules, it is more a series of overall guidelines. Builders would meet with local legislators and 
other citizens to make sure their project can meet the Design Code. In some cases, the project 
is disallowed. In some cases, the project will be modified so that the spirit of the Design Code is 
maintained. Briefly, here are some of the key ele-ments of the Design Code. 

DON’T BLOCK THE VIEW OF THE OCEAN 
In many U.S. and other European cities, land rights are regarded as vertical, and land owners 
are often allowed whatever meets building guidelines and height guidelines. But blocking your 
neighbor’s view is typically not regarded. However, in Manazuru, everyone’s view is regarded 
as important. In planning meetings, the effect of your project on the neighbor’s view would be 
discussed. The view of the ocean is so special to everyone that new buildings and additions must 
not obscure your neighbors’ view. 

PASSAGEWAYS / ALLEYS BETWEEN HOUSESOne of the quaint features of Manazuru and surrounding areas is the alleyways that run between 
the houses. These are narrow paths, not full streets, and they allow walkers to get around, and 
often meet their neighbors. Maintaining these walkways is an integral part of the Design Code. 
It also means that houses will not be built right atop each other, as you see done in parts of San 
Francisco, and other big cities in the U.S. 

KEEP ALL THE CITRUS TREES 
Citrus trees were once widely planted throughout Kanagawa and they are regarded as a local 
treasure. Thus, residents are urged to not cut any of them down, and even to plant more. They 
are regarded not just as a source of food for the body, but as a source of food for the soul as well. 

LOCALLY SOURCE BUILDING SUPPLIES 
Where possible, the Design Code encourages builders and home owners to use local timber and 
stone and other local building materials. Not only does this provide somewhat of a consistent 
appearance, but it is also beneficial in that it seeks to continually support local craftspeople. 

WORK WITH NEIGHBORS TO GET AGREEMENTS 
One of the key elements of the Design Code is that it requires builders to not hide what they 
are planning, but to openly discuss it with those whom the project may affect. This takes time, 
and is not always easy. However, when both “sides” meet together, face to face, and share their 
concerns, most of the obstacles and challenges can be resolved equitably. 

Of course, the Design Code is not a panacea, and may not be as easy to institute in countries 

– such as the United States -- that do not have the group ethic that you find in Japan. Still, city 
planners whose blueprints and ideas shape the feel of public space should seriously study the 
Design Code. 
SUMMARY 
For a public space to be noteworthy and special, the following qualities should all be present: 

The space is safe and welcoming to all who live nearby. People should not only want to visit such 
a place, but they should want to return often. 

The local culture and history should be reflected in some way (e.g. Olvera Street in old downtown 
Los Angeles, or Kersting Court in Sierra Madre). 

There are social activities which occur there which invite people to enter (e.g., food, dance, 
meetings, chess, music, Tai Chi, etc.) 

There are architectural or natural features that are appealing and of interest to all ages. 
The public space must have a good relationship to the surrounding area, whether that is stores, 
or schools, or park spaces. The best public places are surrounded by diversity, not uniformity. 

The space must be well maintained, and kept clean. This may mean hiring a mainte-nance staff, 
or organizing volunteers. Good public spaces can be quickly abandoned by most people if they 
fill with trash and graffiti, and criminal activity. 

A great public space should have as many of these qualities as possible. The design-ers of the 
space (especially where it was designed from the ground up) must also grasp that the space will 
be entered and used by living, breathing people who live in that area. 

A great public space is not a static museum to be looked at, but it is rather a dynamic entity, 
vitalistic, which (if properly conceived) will take on a life of its own, and will serve to uplift all 
who go there. 


CHARLIE BOY! 

Charlie is not only a 
gorgeous boy, but he's 
also a delight! He's playful, 
yet can be calm, too. 
He is especially talented 
at getting your attention! That's because he loves 
loves being petted, being brushed, and being held and 
cuddled. Oh, and he loves dogs! If you have another 
young cat at home, or if you are home a lot and just 
want a cuddler who gets all your attention, please consider 
adopting Charlie. He will come vet-ted, spayed, 
tested negative, and microchipped. See our Adoption 
Procedures page to apply. Submit your application 


now at www.lifelineforpets.org. 

Pet of the Week

 Eight-year-old Craig is a gentle 
and affectionate cat who’s looking 
for his special someone! Craig is 
a friendly kitty who frequently 
wants petting and attention from 
our volunteers. He would be a 
wonderful work-from-home, 
movie night, and lazy Sunday 
companion for a lucky adopter. 
Craig is a total sweetie who just 
wants to be your guy!

 The adoption fee for cats is $100. 
All cat adoptions include spay 
or neuter, microchip, and age-
appropriate vaccines.

 
New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from 
VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about 
how to care for your pet.

 View photos of adoptable pets and schedule an adoption appointment at 
pasadenahumane.org. Adoptions are by appointment only, and new adoption 
appointments are available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

 Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential 
adopters by phone calls or email. 


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com